GSE 2009-2010 Information Pack
The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 and in the early years of their professional lives. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits between paired areas in different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country’s institutions and ways of life, observe their own vocations as practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.
The GSE program began in 1955 as the idea of a New Zealand district. Originally known as the Rotary Overseas Travel Award (ROTA), it was adopted by the Trustees as an official educational program in 1965. As at the end of the 2003/2004 Rotary year, an estimated 54,000 participants have been involved in the program worldwide.
A GSE team consists of four non-Rotarian business or professional people and a Rotarian team leader. Individuals who participate in this once-in-a-lifetime experience will return home not only with new perspectives and an enriched vision, but with fresh ideas and an understanding of a nation’s culture, commerce and Government that can be invaluable to their future. For each team member, The Rotary Foundation provides the most economical round-trip air ticket between the home and host countries. Local Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.
It has been said:
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.
GSE 2009-2010 Information Pack
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